We should have a festival too!

JadeB

So I was watching some footage on the news the other day about the local gay pride festivals. People all looked really happy to be there, weather gay straight or bi. There were families and children of all ages! I remember thinking how great it looked and how much support there was for the gay community, and this got me thinking. 

THERE SHOULD BE A FESTIVAL TO CELEBRATE DISABLED PEOPLE TOO! 
i know we have the Paralympic Games, but surely as part of raising awareness for disabled people and our rights we should have put own pride like festivals. Our own flags and parades where everyone would be welcome. I think that this would help to end the awkward and educate people as well as brining Together the disabled community! 

Alex

Great idea @JadeB! I read a little while ago about a parade in New York which is trying to do exactly this.

Would be great to do something like this in the UK!

rachelcl

I'm both disabled and bi. I think a fest celebrating disabled people and raising awareness (I've actually met people who haven't heard of the Paralympics) would be amazing.

JadeB

I think it would be an amazing thing to do but wouldn't know where to start with it just thought it would be awsome if we could have a festival 

Debbie_Alumni

What a fantastic idea @JadeB! 

Thought I'd share this article with everyone. http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sunday-life/news/in-pictures-belfast-hosts-uks-first-disability-pride-celebration-30605534.html
This happened back in 2014 and it looks like it was quite a success!

So, if we were hypothetically organising a Disability Pride festival, where would it be and what would the day look like? 

Tudor

I think having something to celebrate the disabled community is a good idea. However pride as in the LGBTQIA pride started as a protest and is still a protest. so it may look like to people on the outside that it is a big party, and although we do celebrate at pride it is still a protest. 
By the way I have various disabilities and am part of the LGBTQIA community. 

JadeB

@DebbieVoakes if we were to hold one i think is should be in one of the major cities, like London for example with the obvious music, stalls etc. Or even an 'ask me questions booth we people (who feel comfortable) could answer some of the questions and myth around disability to educate people. 

basiclee08

I Think This is One For Our Young community and Future young communities It's About Acceptance and I  Feel Whatever we Can Do To make next Generations life a Little Easier and more Inclusive we Should Do so.  

JadeB

@basiclee08 I couldn't agree more, which is why I think a family friendly event where children are welcome to engage in all sorts of activities weather disabled or not would also be good. However there are unfortunately many uneducated adults out there too x

basiclee08

@JadeB from your mouth to the right ears. This could Educate and inform and making it family friendly were kids can mix and enjoy while Learning is a win win for me. Well said jade hope people who can make it happen read and listen!.

JadeB

@basiclee08
the only thing is I wouldn't have a clue how to arrange a festival of that scale alone might have to do some research x